The 2010 Chardonnay Gravel Bench is the only Chardonnay aged in 100% new French oak barrels, but there is more than enough depth in the fruit to provide balance. Tangerine, mint, apricots and honeysuckle meld together beautifully in this seamless, opulent wine. Despite its richness, there is plenty of minerality to support the fruit. This is another fabulous effort from Stonestreet. In an interesting twist of fate, the Gravel Bench is made from the “Peter Michael” clone, a Chardonnay clone that was developed at Peter Michael from cuttings originally obtained from Stonestreet. The Gravel Bench is the most opulent of the Stonestreet Chardonnays and stands miles apart from most wines made in this style. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Winemaker Graham Weerts has fashioned a stunning set of wines at Stonestreet. The Chardonnays are all fermented with native yeasts and are aged in French oak barrels, typically 50% new except where noted. The Cabernets are all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Mountain Estate. Weerts gives the Cabernets 18 months in French oak barrels, 40-90% new. Tel. (800) 355-8008